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Alberta Moves Closer to Potential Secession Referendum

Bill 54 advances in Alberta's legislature, easing referendum rules as separatist efforts gain momentum despite opposition from First Nations and federal leaders.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre arrives on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for a meeting of the Conservative caucus following the federal election on May 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is seen at the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) in Ottawa on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
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A CTrain passes city hall on 7th Avenue S. in Calgary on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

Overview

  • Alberta's Bill 54, which lowers the threshold for citizen-led referendums, is progressing through the legislature and could enable a 2026 vote on provincial independence.
  • The Alberta Prosperity Project has drafted a referendum question and plans to gather 600,000 signatures to push for a vote, exceeding the new legal requirements.
  • First Nations leaders, including AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, denounce separation efforts as unconstitutional and a violation of treaties predating Alberta's provincial status.
  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre opposes Alberta separatism but acknowledges widespread frustration with federal policies affecting the province's energy sector.
  • Recent polling indicates 19% of Albertans would definitely vote to leave Canada, with 17% leaning toward separation, though a majority still favor unity.